Gun safety device

ABSTRACT

A device for controlling access to a firearm having a muzzle with various physical features proximal thereto. The device includes a lock housing with a cavity to receive the muzzle. The device also includes a lock mechanism shaft coupled to a lock mechanism that is configured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism shaft is coupled to a cam that moves axially upon rotation of the lock mechanism shaft. A bidirectional rotatable shaft is coupled to the cam and is insertable into the muzzle of the firearm. Embodiments described include variants on arm, tab, and/or housing configurations to receive and grasp firearm fixed front sights, bead front sights and accessories such as, for example, Picatinny rails, vertical or near vertical serrations, cuts and/or grooves located on the distal lateral and ventral regions of the frame and/or slide.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for gun safety. In particular,the present invention relates to devices that prevent unauthorized useof a gun having some type of muzzle device coupled thereto, includingother physical features located proximally to a firearm muzzle.

2. Background of the Invention

The present invention is an advancement over the gun safety devicedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,687 that was issued on Dec. 23, 1997.The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,687 is incorporated herein byreference. Improvements have been made to enhance the functionality ofthe device. Those improvements include the elimination of somecomponents of the original device, the modification of some componentsof the original device and the addition of new components. A newactuating means of securing a firearm is introduced in the presentinvention. The invention described herein improves overall safetycertainty, strengthens structural integrity, improves anti-tamperingproperties and reduces manufacturing costs. The invention can be used tosecure a firearm that includes some type of muzzle device, such as aflash hider, a flash suppressor, a muzzle brake and/or a compensator.The invention also may accommodate those firearms that include fixedfront sights, manufactured indentations, and serrations in the muzzlevicinity of the firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is designed to secure guns having a muzzle device such asa flash hider, a flash suppressor, a muzzle brake and/or a compensator.The invention may also be modified to secure firearms that possess ablade-like front sight, a bead-like front sight, and firearms withvertical and near-vertical serrations, accessories, flats, cuts and/orother indentations upon the slide and/or frame in the muzzle vicinity ofthe firearm. With respect to the original device described in the citedpatent, most, but not all, improvements are to specific components:improving their function, strengthening them and their anti-tamperproperties and making them easier and cheaper to produce. A few newcomponents are added. A few components have been eliminated. This deviceis designed to further self-defend itself and resist tampering anddefeat by commonly available means including: brute force, crushing,cutting, drilling, grinding and reverse installation. A goal of thedevice of the present invention is to damage or destroy, both itself andthe firearm, before it is compromised.

The device in several embodiments includes a lock housing with a basecomponent coupled to a receptacle component, wherein the receptaclecomponent includes a cavity configured for insertion therein of themuzzle device and at least a portion of the muzzle and/or barrel. Italso includes a key structure coupled to the base component of the lockhousing, wherein the key structure is arranged to receive a key. A lockmechanism is coupled to the key structure and arranged for actuation bythe key. A lock mechanism shaft is coupled to the lock mechanism and isconfigured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism.The device also includes a cam having a distal end and a proximal end,wherein the distal end of the cam is in contact with the lock mechanismshaft such that rotational movement of the lock mechanism shaft causesaxial movement of the cam. A bidirectional rotatable shaft is coupled toand within the proximal end of the cam and arranged for insertion intothe muzzle of the firearm. A plurality of arms is coupled to a perimeterof the cam and arranged for pivotal and radial movement to secure thefirearm muzzle device in the cavity of the lock housing. The armsinclude a plurality of tabs arranged on the plurality of arms forengagement with an exterior surface of the muzzle device to retain themuzzle device within the lock housing. The several embodiments of theinvention described herein include variants on the arm, tab and/orhousing configurations to receive and grasp firearm′ fixed front sights,which are common to pistol, revolver and many rifle firearms, a beadfront sight that is common to shotgun firearms and accessories such as,for example, Picatinny rails, vertical or near vertical serrations, cutsand/or grooves located on the distal lateral and ventral regions of theframe and/or slide, which is common to many pistol firearms.

The device also includes near the proximal end of the cam a notched diskwith circumferential notches or indentations, wherein the notched diskis made of a material that protects distal and external surfaces of themuzzle device from abrasion and damage. A conically shaped bushing islocated proximal to the notched disk arranged to occupy a cavity withina distal region of the muzzle device. The device further includes a snapring arranged to fasten the notched disk and the conically shapedbushing together, wherein the bidirectional rotatable shaft isconfigured to protrude from the proximal end of the cam, penetratethrough the notched disk, the conically shaped bushing and the snap ringand extend into the firearm barrel.

The device optionally includes a semi-flexible, bi-directionallyrotating wand coupled to a proximal end of the bidirectional rotatableshaft, wherein the wand is arranged to extend through a remainder of aninternal length or bore of the barrel of the firearm and the full lengthof its chamber, thus preventing the loading of a live round ofammunition in the firearm. Several embodiments thereof are describedherein.

The device includes a self-protective cage-like structure arranged toprotect the internal length of the device and the firearm againsttampering and defeat. The cage-like structure may include a key disk,one or more support disks, lock housing rods or pins and a bushing, allpossessing bi-directional rotational freedom of movement; as ananti-tamper means. Wherein the one or more support disks are locatedwithin an interior of the bushing and the lock housing configuration toprovide internal lateral support against attempted compromise bycrushing. The cage-like structure may be configured to shelter multipletypes of firearms, multiple types of muzzle devices and multiple muzzleconfigurations. The bushing enjoys bi-directional rotational freedom ofmovement and internally protects the entire lock housing, cavity, allcomponents within the lock housing, all of the muzzle device and atleast a portion of the firearms barrel. The bushing may be a unitarystructure or it may be a combination of bushing components. The devicemay include a pyrrhic disk located adjacent to the lock mechanism. Thedevice may include a lanyard retainer coupled to the lock housing. Theconically shaped bushing may be superimposed over the bidirectionalrotatable shaft to occupy the cavity within the distal region of themuzzle device. The conically shaped bushing and the notched disk centerstabilize the firearm within the cavity of the lock housing duringactivation.

Three variants of the gun safety device are described herein in whichthe three configurations are substantially the same, with variationsrelated to accommodation of firearms particular physicalcharacteristics. All three configurations prevent the loading of a liveround of ammunition into the chamber by occupying the full lengths ofbore and chamber. All three configurations employ the same mechanicalprocesses. That is, they include an OEM keyed lock with a proximallylocated threaded shaft that actuates a mutually threaded cam. The camactuates radially, both inwardly and outwardly, a plurality of arms,each including an inwardly oriented securing tab at its proximal andventral end. The tabs differ in the three configurations as will bedescribed. The arms in all three configurations possess tabs thatoriginate and are anchored into a distally positioned foundation diskcomponent. Each arm also possesses a curved flat spring on its dorsalsurface that urges an arm radially and inwardly. All threeconfigurations employ the same passive occupation of the firearm boreand chamber. An advantage of this passive occupation is that the devicewill serve firearms, with a chamber that does not possess a cartridgecase rim within, such as 22 Cal., 22 Cal. Magnum and several vintagecalibres such as 45-70 Government and 45-90 Government, to mention afew.

All three configurations further include housing variations toaccommodate different sorts of muzzle arrangements, wherein differenthousing orifices receive and protectively shelter the muzzle vicinity,muzzle device and a proximal portion of the distal end of the barrel ofa firearm. All three configurations protect internal and externalsurfaces of the firearm against abrasion and damage with components asdescribed herein and by the employment of a plastic-like covering ofinternal components and surfaces. All three configurations componentssupport and align fellow components and possess components that supportand stabilize their union with the firearm as well as eliminatelooseness between the device and firearm.

All three configurations possess marks or grooves on the externalsurface of the lock housing that indicate to the user where to line upthe firearm's muzzle vicinity and/or muzzle device against componentswithin the lock housing for activation to occur. Activation of thesethree configurations is a three-step process: clockwise key movementprepares or opens the device to receive the firearm muzzle vicinity ormuzzle device, counter-clockwise key movement allows the arms and tabsto retract inwardly grasping and securing the firearm and clockwise keymovement reopens the device allowing firearm access and removal.

All three embodiments described herein also employ a comprehensivelength and breadth, self protective internal cage-like structure; withhardened, strategically positioned and bidirectionally rotatingcomponents including disks, pins and a bushing, as well as a solder-likepyrrhic disk. The physical characteristics of the arms and respectivetab arrangements vary in response to the physical characteristics of themuzzle vicinity and/or muzzle device of the firearm served. So does theoutside diameter, lengths of the shaft and wand reflect the insidediameter, lengths of the firearm bore and chamber. All of theconfigurations possess a bidirectionally rotating shaft and may possessa bidirectionally rotating and telescoping wand.

The lock housings of all three configurations include two complementarycomponents that are welded together. All configurations possess alanyard element. All three configurations benefit from componentstandardization, such as the OEM keyed lock mechanism. Allconfigurations may include a safety key. All three configurations aredesigned to be very difficult to defeat and do not indicate to amiscreant where they might begin to in their quest to defeat it. Allthree components are easily and inexpensively maintainable.

The following detailed description, the accompanying drawings and theappended claims will further describe the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of the firearmsafety device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the present invention shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a third perspective view of the firearm safety device of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective dissected view of the present invention shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the present invention shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of thefirearm safety device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of thefirearm safety device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the arm with modified tabs of the firearmsafety device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the arm with modified tabs of the firearmsafety device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first example firearm for which thefirearm safety device of FIG. 6 is compatible.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a second example firearm for which the firearmsafety device of FIG. 6 is also compatible.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an example firearm for which the firearmsafety device of FIG. 7 is compatible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of a gun safety device 4030 of the present inventionshown in FIGS. 1-5 is a type of locking mechanism that can be used toprevent firearm operation for those firearms having a muzzle device 46such as a flash hider, a flash suppressor, a muzzle brake and/or acompensator affixed to the muzzle by preventing ammunition from beingchambered by blocking the barrel 45 and chamber of the firearm 40.

The device 4030 includes an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) keyactivated security pin tumbler or wafer tumbler screw-type lockmechanism 4020, a bidirectionally rotating shaft 4110, an armsfoundation 4075, arms 4015 with tabs 4018 thereon, a lock housing 4021and a lock foundation 4090 among other components. When the lockmechanism 4020 is actuated, a lock mechanism shaft 4020 a that may be athreaded shaft 4020 a upon a proximal terminus of the lock mechanism4020 causes a cam 4012 to move axially in both proximal 11 and distal 12directions, controlling a plurality of spring-urged arms 4015. Near theproximal end of this cam 4012 is a replaceable notched disk 4013, withcircumferential notches or indentations, and that are shown as crossshaped in FIG. 5. The disk 4013 is made of a material that protectsdistal and external surfaces of the muzzle device 46 from abrasion anddamage. Located proximally to the notched disk 4013, is a replaceableconically shaped bushing 4013 a that occupies a cavity 47 within thedistal 12 region of the firearm muzzle device 46. The notched disk 4013and conically shaped bushing 4013 a may be fastened in place with a snapring 4014. The bidirectionally rotating shaft 4110 protrudes from theproximal end of the cam 4012, penetrates through the notched disk 4013,conically shaped bushing 4013 a and snap ring 4014 and extends into thefirearm's barrel. The shaft 4110 may include a semi-flexible,bidirectionally rotating wand 4110 a at its proximal end. This wand 4110a extends through the rest of the internal length or bore 44 of thebarrel 45 and the full length of its chamber, thus preventing theloading of a live round of ammunition in the firearm 40.

Responding to clockwise rotation of key structure 4010 and key 4010 a,the cam 4012 migrates proximally 11 and urges all arms 4015 radially tothe point where the firearm's muzzle or the muzzle device 46 located onthe muzzle enters through an opening 4000, into the cavity 4000 a, on aproximal end of lock housing receptacle 4021 b where it is sheltered andsuperimposes over the device's shaft 4110, wand 4110 a and conicallyshaped bushing 4013 a. One or more marks, rings or circumferentialgrooves 4021 d on the external surface of the lock housing configuration4021 indicates to the user where to line up the firearm's muzzle and/ormuzzle device against components within the lock housing configuration4021 for activation to occur.

When the key structure 4010 or key 4010 a is rotated in acounterclockwise manner, the cam 4012 migrates in a distal 12 direction,the arms 4015 are pivotally and inwardly urged by dorsal arm supportsprings 4015 a thereon. On the ventral surface 4015 b of each arm 4015and/or at its terminus 4015 c, is a very hard, reinforced and cushionedtab 4018 with dimensions that conform closely to the above-mentioned oneor more grooves 48 on the muzzle device 46. These tabs 4018 firmlycontact and grasp inner and lateral surfaces of grooves 48 of the muzzledevice 46, thereby securing the firearm 40 and completing the activationor locking function of the device 4030.

Likewise, deactivation of the device 4030 takes place when one rotatesthe key structure 4010 or key 4010 a in a clockwise direction, whichcauses the cam 4012 to migrate proximally, urging all arms 4015 radiallyto the point where the tabs 4018 thereon release their grasp within thegrooves upon the muzzle device 48. At this point, the firearm's muzzledevice or muzzle may be withdrawn through the device opening 4000completing the deactivation or unlocking function of the device 4030.

In the present invention, actuation takes place in the distal region 12of the firearm 40, in the distal region 12 of the device 4030, withinthe cavity 4000 a on the proximal 11 end of the lock housingconfiguration 4021 securing against external surfaces of the firearm'smuzzle device 46. Securing the firearm is accomplished by the “passive”occupation of the full length of the bore 44 and chamber with shaft 4110and/or wand 4110 a components; thus, the new activating means referencedabove.

The device 4030 includes a self-protective cage-like structureestablished by key disk 4022 and support disk 4022 a, as well as lockhousing rods or pins 4025 and bushing 4100; all of which possessbidirectional rotational freedom of movement. Singular or multipleinternal support disk 4085 reside within interior 4100 c of the bushing4100, within the lock housing configuration 4021, at strategic locationsand provide internal lateral support against attempted compromise bycrushing. These components are made of durable, very hard, high qualityand non-corrodible materials, such as a stainless steel. They have thesame roles and characteristics as previously described in the originalinvention. This improved cage-like structure self protects the internallength and breadth of the device 4030, and the firearm 40, againsttampering and defeat and may be modified to shelter multiple types offirearms 40, multiple muzzle devices 46 and multiple muzzleconfigurations.

Bushing 4100 enjoys bidirectional rotational freedom of movement. It islarger than the corresponding one of the original safety device andinternally protects the entire lock housing configuration 4021, cavity4000 a, all of the components within the lock housing configuration4021, all, or most of all, of the firearms muzzle device 46 and aportion of the firearms barrel 45. This component bolsters the abovecage-like structure and serves as a self-protective and anti-tamperingelement. The bushing 4100 may be a unitary structure or it may be acombination of bushing components such as subcomponent 4100 a andsubcomponent 4100 b.

In contrast to the configuration of the original invention, in thepresent invention represented by device 4030, a new lock housingconfiguration 4021 comprising base component 4021 a and receptaclecomponent 4021 b is much longer, and that are joined together, such asby welding, at a weld point 4021 c, during the assembly process. Thesecomponents are manufactured of a very hard, high quality and corrosionresistant material, such as a stainless steel. The exterior surfaces ofthe lock housing configuration 4021 may be finished and/or knurled toobscure any weld point if desired.

The opening 4000 and cavity 4000 a at the proximal end 11 of the lockhousing receptacle 4021 b accepts and shelters all, or most all, of thelength of the muzzle device 46 and a distal section of the firearm'sbarrel 45 that is proximal to the muzzle device 46 and in a randomfashion except for model-specific firearm safety devices. Presently, thelock housing configuration 4021 and its proximally positioned orifice4000 may be modified to shelter multiple firearm types including genericor specific models of firearms. The configuration of the ‘shelter’ maytake two forms: first, a “generic” form that will accept any firearmhaving outside muzzle vicinity dimensions are less than the internaldimensions of the cavity opening 4000; and second, a “model specific”form that conforms to and will accept a specific model of firearm. Thecross-sectional shape of the device 4030 that serves firearms, withcomponents that have a circular cross section, may be round. Thecross-sectional shape of the device 4030 that serves firearms, withcomponents that have a square and or rectangular cross section at themuzzle vicinity, may be square or rectangular as is found in theoriginal embodiment. Within both generic and model specific scenarios,barrel lengths are assumed to be equal or nearly equal.

All of the internal components within the lock housing 4021configuration, in the improved design of the present invention areaccessible while the device is disengaged and removed. Some of thesecomponents are accessible by the removal of a snap ring 4014 fasteningmeans. The snap ring 4014, which is replaceable, serves to retain theabove and distally 12 located notched disk 4013 and conically shapedbushing 4013 a in place, against an internal circumferential tab 4100 d.(See FIG. 4.) within the bushing configuration 4100. Snap rings may alsofasten the above additional support disk 4085 in place. Snap ringsengage within an interior channel, cut within the bushing interior 4100c or between components 4100 a and 4100 b comprising the bushing 4100.Optional fastening means are press fitted clamps upon counterbore screws4023 as well as the counterbore screws 4023 by themselves. Multiplecounterbore screws 4023 fasten the arms foundation 4075, support disk4085, pyrrhic disk 4080 and lock foundation 4090 to the interior face ofthe lock housing base 4021 a. These stainless steel counterbore screws4023 may be accompanied with small, superimposed (over their shaft) andbi-directionally rotating bushings, serving as an anti-tamper means.Added benefits to this configuration is that a miscreant, who gainspossession of a gun with this device installed, has no obvious place tobegin in their quest to defeat it.

The lock housing configuration 4021 of the device 4030 of the presentinvention has been modified to include a lanyard retainer, which may bea press fitted U-shaped component 4021 e (as shown), a cave-likestructure machined into the lock housing configuration 4021 or by othermeans.

Lock foundation 4090 in conjunction with the above mentioned counterborescrews 4023 prevents rotation of the lock mechanism 4020 within the lockhousing configuration 4021. This lock foundation component 4090component is a collar, that circumferentially conforms to the insidediameter of the lock housing base 4021 a and internally conforms to thephysical characteristics of the lock mechanism 4020. It is superimposedaround the lock mechanism 4020 and is fastened in place by an abovefastening means.

The device 4030 includes the cam 4012, which may be a shaped cam,wherein the shape may be that of a pyramid atop a box but not limitedthereto. When the lock mechanism 4020 is actuated in a clockwise manner,the cam 4012 is pushed in a proximal 11 direction, urging the arms 4015,pivotably and radially outward. Screw axial threading 4020 a is found onthe proximal 11 terminus of the lock mechanism 4020 and within a distal12 interior 4012 b and almost the full length of the cam 4012. The cam4012 is not rotatable, in that faces 4012 a thereon, located proximally11 are in direct contact with distal 12 and ventral 4015 b surfaces onthe arms 4015, which are urged radially and inwardly by thearm-supported, curved, flat springs 4015 a thereon. With respect to theoriginal device, the cam 4012 is not constrained by material crosssectional requirements, is less vulnerable to tampering and defeat, isexpected to be much less expensive to manufacture and may be modified toconform to the type of firearm configuration, characteristics of themuzzle device and/or the muzzle in the vicinity thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, four of the arms 4015 are shown on armsfoundation 4075; however, more may be used including, for example, sixor nine or more of them. The device 4030 may possess more or fewer sucharms 4015, with their number and sizes selected as a function of theoutside diameter of the muzzle device 46 or muzzle, length of thefirearm's muzzle device 46, the type and configuration of the firearm,and its muzzle vicinity′ physical characteristics. These arms 4015possess distally located tabs 4015 d that are distally anchored in thearms foundation 4075 and whose arms 4015 extend proximally 11 toward thecavity 4000 a that shelters the firearms muzzle.

The device 4030 includes the plurality of tabs 4018 that, when thedevice 4030 is actuated, migrate inwardly to occupy and grasp grooves48, on the firearm's muzzle device 46. The tabs 4018 may be either orboth fixed (as shown) on the arms 4015 and movable, replaceable andadjustable on the arms 4015. This enables configurations of the device4030 to conform to and secure both individual and multiple firearmmuzzle devices 46. The tabs 4018 and/or the arms 4015 may bemanufactured to identically conform to the physical characteristics ofthe muzzle device 46. Generally, the arms 4015 and tabs 4018 of thisfirst embodiment 4030 will be identical, as the tabs 4018 occupycircumferential grooves 48 on a muzzle device 46. These tabs may bemagnetized to hasten and bolster their employment.

The device 4030 includes bidirectionally rotating shaft 4110 thatextends from within the cam 4012 proximally into the barrel of thefirearm 40, cooperating with the conically shaped bushing 4013 a,centering and stabilizing the firearm 40 within the device cavity 4000a. Materials employed in making the shaft 4110 are selected to be softenough not to damage the internal surfaces of the barrel of the firearm40 when actuated and otherwise when in contact with those surfaces.Threading 4110 b at the proximal end 11 of the shaft 4110 acceptsmutually threaded softer rods or wands 4110 a. In firearms, with shortbarrel lengths, the bidirectionally rotating shaft 4110 may serve inlieu of the wand 4110 a.

The device 4030 includes the semi-flexible wand 4110 a component that isconfigured for bidirectional rotational freedom of movement. It servesto fully occupy the firearm's chamber as an anti-tamper means and isarranged for fastening at the proximal end 11 of the shaft 4110 therebyoccupying the remainder of the barrel 45 and all of the chamber of thefirearm 40. Many models of this type of firearm have different optionalbarrel lengths. One or more wands 4110 a, which are attachable to theshaft 4110 and replaceable, may be cut to the total length of the barreland chamber or wands 4110 a may be telescoping, in which its mostproximal section is urged proximally 11 into the chamber by internalcoil springs. The telescoping nature of this embodiment of the wand 4110a allows a single wand to accommodate multiple barrel lengths. Materialsemployed in the manufacture of the wands 4110 a are selected to be softenough to not damage the internal surfaces of the firearm barrel andchamber and may be a hard rubber or plastic. Wand flexibility enablesfaster insertion and removal of the device 4030 to and from the firearm40.

The device 4030 further includes the protective notched disk 4013 thatis arranged to protect the proximal end 11 of the cam 4012 and externaldistal 12 surfaces of the muzzle device 46 and is made of a material ormaterials that are soft enough to not abrade or damage these surfaces.The outside diameter of the notched disk 4013 also serves to provideinternal and lateral support to the device 4030 bushing configuration4100 and also serves as a backstop for the conically shaped bushing 4013a. The cross-like notches on the circumference of this disk supports,aligns and guides the arms 4015 within the device 4030. The currentconfiguration of arm 4015 alignment is radially outward. Anotherconfiguration which may be employed is radially inward by disks withinternal circular notches corresponding to the arms that are cut withinthe inside diameter of a support disk 4085 or snap ring 4014. Thenotched disk 4013 may be expanded, modified, bolstered or merged withthe conically shaped bushing 4013 a to engage, support and protect afirearm's barrel, crown and muzzle vicinity.

The conically shaped bushing 4013 a is superimposed over the device'sbidirectionally rotating shaft 4110 and serves to occupy a cavity 47within the distal region 12 of the muzzle device 46. Together, with thenotched disk 4013, they center and stabilize the firearm within thedevice's cavity 4000 a during activation, by eliminating looseness. Thiscomponent consists of a material that will not abrade or damage themuzzle device's interior 47.

A smooth, hard plastic-like material covers the ventral surfaces 4015 bof the arms 4015, the tabs 4018 on each arm 4015, the internal surfaceof the opening 4000 into the cavity 4000 a and, optionally, within aninternal lengths 4100 a and 4100 b of the bushing configuration 4100.These ventral surface cushions are hard, smooth, low friction andplastic-like; protecting external surfaces of the firearm's muzzledevice, muzzle and front sight against abrasion, damage and facilitatingboth insertion and withdrawal of the firearm. These hard covers may bepainted and baked on and/or heat-shrink applied. They provide componentprotection and also serve to reduce friction when inserting or removingthe firearm from the device 4030.

The key structure 4010 may be a standard key 4010 a (as shown), designedto be removed to allow the device 4030 to be maintained in a locked orunlocked position without the insertion of a key. Alternatively, the keystructure 4010 may be a safety type (as shown), designed to be kept inplace within the lock housing configuration 4021 so that the user of theinvention may maintain the device 4030 in a locked position, while alsobeing able to quickly unlock the device 4030 without reinsertion of thekey 4010 a. The surface of the key structure 4010 may be finished,knurled or otherwise modified to enhance one's grasp and handleability.

An additional element in accordance with this invention is a pyrrhicdisk 4080. The pyrrhic disk 4080 is located in the vicinity of the lockmechanism 4020, cam 4012, arms foundation 4075, and the distal terminiof the arms 4015 d. The location of the pyrrhic disk 4080 isstrategically chosen to be near the threaded 4020 a proximal 11 end ofthe lock mechanism 4020 and its union with the cam 4012. The pyrrhicdisk 4080 is manufactured of a solder-like material that will melt whenexposed to extreme heat as well as friction-related heat generated bycutting with a saw, drilling and grinding. The solder-like materialshould be a metal that has a melting point at least as high as thetemperature commonly attained by blow-torches. The effect is to causethe cam 4012, arms foundation 4075 and the distal 12 termini of the arms4015 d to be seized in place. Gaps within the arms foundation 4075,support disk 4085, lock foundation 4090 and the cavity within the lockhousing 4000 a enables molten material of the melted pyrrhic disk 4080to migrate throughout the invention. This design, which allows moltenmaterial to migrate into the firearm, may be utilized to furtherdissuade unauthorized users from tampering with a firearm utilizing suchan alternative design of the instant invention. It should be clear thatsuch an alternative design is well within the scope of the presentinvention. Thus, pyrrhic disk 4080 is designed as a mechanism to protectagainst tampering via devices such as an acetylene torch.

A second embodiment of a firearm safety device 5030 is represented inFIGS. 6 and 8. The device 5030 is suitable for use with a firearm havinga construction such as the type represented in FIGS. 10 and 11 but isnot limited thereto. That is, the device 5030 accommodates firearms thatpossess a blade-like front sight 5002, with or without a base orfoundation 5003, and a barrel whose muzzle vicinity outside shape orcross section is nearly cylindrical or cylindrical 5001 as seen in FIGS.10 and 11. Most often, these are revolver, rifle with front sight andsingle barrel shotgun types of firearms; although a few pistol firearmspossess these features as well. A revolver blade-like front sight 5002may be fixed directly onto the cylindrically shaped barrel 5001 or itmay be fixed atop a base or foundation 5003, and/or a solid 5004 a orventilated 5004 b rib. Revolver blade-like front sights, with or withouta base or foundation 5003, are located relative to the location of thespent cartridge extractor rod and/or its housing 5005 a (firearm exampleof FIG. 10) and 5005 b (firearm example of FIG. 11). Spent cartridgeextractor rods and their housings may be located ventrally directlybelow the blade-like front sight, or are located off to either side ofthe ventral exterior of the barrel, extending from the frame along thebarrel toward the muzzle. They may extend the full length 5005 b or apartial length 5005 a of the firearm barrel. Similarly, a rifle with afront blade-like sight may be fixed atop a base or foundation. A singlebarrel shotgun, which employs a bead-like front sight, may be fixed atopa solid or ventilated rib. There is a lot of muzzle vicinity variabilitywithin and between these types of firearms, which can be accommodatedwith the present invention.

The configuration of the device 5030 is very similar to theconfiguration of the device 4030 except for modifications to the arms5015, tabs 5018, lock housing 4021, lock housing receptacle 4021 b andsmall soft metal bushing 5013 components. Components of device 5030 thatare identical to the components of device 4030 have the same numbers.Generally, the arms 4015 and tabs 4018 of the original configuration4030 will be identical, as tabs 4018 occupy circumferential grooves on amuzzle device. However, the arms 5015 and tabs 5018 of the device 5030vary in number, length, width, depth and design to achieve an identicaland physical match against external features and surfaces upon thefirearm. Curved flat springs 5015 a, located on the dorsal surface ofarms 5015 e, urge the arms 5015 radially inwardly until its proximallyand ventrally located tabs 5018, which include 5018 a, 5018 b and 5018 ccomponents, simultaneously receive and grasp the blade-like front sight5002, its base or foundation 5003, if any, and secure against otherexternal features or surfaces upon the firearm at locations 5001, 5004a, 5004 b and 5005 b. One or more marks, rings or circumferentialgrooves 4021 d on the external surface of the lock housing receptacle4021 b indicates to the user where to line up the firearms muzzleagainst components within the lock housing configuration 4021 foractivation to occur.

Top tab 5018 a on arm 5015 e of the device 5030 possesses a closed endfour-sided rectangular or square slot or round receptacle, which willreceive, descend inwardly over and secure the firearm's blade-like frontsight, front sight base or foundation if any, or bead. Bead-like frontsights on shotguns require a circular shaped receptacle. Side tabs 5018c on arms 5015 f have inwardly oriented, concave, plastic or rubbercovered margins or pads, which conform to the outside diameter of thefirearm's barrel and serve to prevent abrasion and damage as well asstabilize the device 5030 around the firearm. Bottom tab 5018 b on arm5015 g may be identical to the side tabs 5018 c on side arms 5015 f orit may be modified to conform to, secure against, protect and stabilizethe spent cartridge extractor rods and/or their housings. See, forexample, FIG. 8, showing a closer view of the arms and the curvature ofthe tabs.

The orifice 4000 and notch 5000 of the lock housing receptacle 4021 b ofthe lock housing configuration 4021 is arranged to accommodate differenttypes of firearms and their features. The notch 5000 on the proximal endopening 4000 of the lock housing receptacle 4021 b allows a firearm'sblade-like front sight and front sight base or foundation if any,entrance into cavity 4000 a. Conically shaped bushing component 4013 ahas been modified into a small soft metal bushing 5013, which cooperateswith the notched disk 4013, protects the firearm's internal and externalsurfaces, including the barrel′ crown, against abrasion and damage. Thissmall soft metal bushing component 5013 also centers and stabilizes thefirearm within the devices cavity 4000 a and eliminates looseness.

A third embodiment of a firearm safety device 6030 is represented inFIGS. 7 and 9. The device 6030 is suitable for use with a firearm havinga construction such as the type represented in FIG. 12 but is notlimited thereto. The device 6030 accommodates firearms that also possessa blade-like front sight 6001 and manufactured indentations, serrations6002, flats, cuts and/or grooves 6003 made in the muzzle vicinity of thefirearm slide and/or frame as shown in FIG. 12. These features are verycommon to the pistol type of firearm. Generally, pistol firearms do notpossess a front sight base or foundation, as the front sight is fixeddirectly onto the slide. They also do not possess spent cartridgeextractor rods and/or housings. The device 6030 may be modified to servethe double barrel shotgun type of firearm. Double barrel shotguns may beserved with the addition of a bi-directionally rotating dummy wand 4110a, that occupies the full lengths of the barrel and chamber of thesecond unsecured barrel. Double barrel shotguns may possess solid orventilated rib as well as a bead-like front sight. There is a lot ofmuzzle vicinity variability within and between these types of firearms,which can be accommodated with the present invention.

The device 6030 configuration is almost identical to the device 5030,except for a change in size, shape and depth of the lock housingconfiguration 6021, its components 6021 a and 6021 b, the size andcharacteristics of its orifice 6000 and cavity 6000 a, as well as thetypes of firearms served. Components of device 6030 that are identicalto the components of device 4030 have the same numbers. The device 6030serves firearms that have a muzzle vicinity cross section shape that issquare to rectangular. However, similar to embodiment 5030, the arms6015 and tabs 6018 of the device 6030 vary in number, length, width,depth and design to achieve an identical and physical match againstexternal features and surfaces upon the firearm of FIG. 12. Curved flatsprings 6015 a, located on the dorsal surface of arms 6015 e, urge arms6015 radially inwardly until its proximally and ventrally located tabs6018, which include components 6018 a, 6018 b and 6018 c, simultaneouslyreceive and grasp the blade-like front sight 6001, serrations 6002 ondistal and side surfaces of the slide and/or grooves on the ventralsurfaces of the firearm frame 6003. Marks or grooves 6021 d on theexternal surface of the lock housing receptacle 6021 b indicate to theuser where to line up the firearms muzzle against components within thelock housing configuration 6021 for activation to occur.

Top tab 6018 a on arm 6015 e of this configuration includes a closed endfour sided rectangular or square slot or round receptacle which willreceive, descend inwardly over and secure the firearm's blade-like frontsight or bead. Bead-like front sights on shotguns require a circularreceptacle. Side tabs 6018 c on arms 6015 f conform to and occupyserrations upon the firearm's slide and/or frame and may be orientedvertically or oriented to one side or the other and have straight orflat margins. Bottom tab 6018 b on arm 6015 g is designed to engage andsecure against indentations and/or grooves commonly found on accessoryrails, including Picatinny rails, and other features located on thedistal ventral region of the frame of the firearm such as the example ofFIG. 12. See, for example, FIG. 9, showing a closer view of the arms andthe straight configuration of the tabs.

Orifice 6000 and cavity 6000 a at the proximal end of the lock housing6021 and lock housing receptacle 6021 b receive and shelter the muzzlevicinity of the firearm. The lock housing 6021 is much larger than thecorresponding housings of devices 4030 and 5030 in that orifice 6000 andcavity 6000 a are much larger and deeper, as this configurationaccommodates firearms with a larger rectangular or square cross sectionin the firearm muzzle vicinity. Hardened bidirectionally rotating steelpins 6025 a and 6025 b occupy slightly oversized drilled holes orcavities in the proximal end of the lock housing base 6021 a and thedistal end of the lock housing receptacle 6021 b as a means ofprotecting the device's welded seams 6021 c against compromise. Theconically shaped bushing component 4013 a of device 4030 is modified indevice 6030 into a small soft metal bushing 6013, which cooperates withnotched disk component 4013, protects the firearm internal and externalsurfaces, including the barrel′ crown against abrasion and damage. Thiscomponent 6013 also centers and stabilizes the firearm within thedevices cavity 6000 a and eliminates looseness.

Although the present invention has been described with respect tospecific embodiments, it is to be understood that it is not limitedthereto and all equivalents are considered covered by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for controlling access to a firearmhaving a muzzle with one or more features located proximal thereto, thedevice comprising: a lock housing with a base component coupled to areceptacle component, wherein the receptacle component includes a cavityconfigured for insertion therein of the muzzle and at least a portion ofthe barrel; a key structure coupled to the base component of the lockhousing, wherein the key structure is arranged to receive a key; a lockmechanism coupled to the key structure and arranged for actuation by thekey; a lock mechanism shaft coupled to the lock mechanism and configuredfor rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism; a camhaving a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of thecam is in contact with the lock mechanism shaft such that rotationalmovement of the lock mechanism shaft causes axial movement of the cam; abidirectional rotatable shaft coupled to the proximal end of the cam andarranged for insertion into the muzzle of the firearm; a plurality ofextended arms coupled to a perimeter of the cam and arranged for pivotaland radial movement to secure the firearm muzzle in the cavity of thelock housing; and a plurality of tabs arranged on the plurality ofextended arms for engagement with an exterior surface of the muzzle toretain the muzzle within the lock housing, wherein the plurality of tabsincludes a top tab arranged to secure any blade-like front sight, frontsight base, foundation or bead of the firearm, two or more side tabsarranged to stabilize the device, conform to the exterior of the firearmand prevent abrasion and damage thereof, and a bottom tab arranged toconform to, secure against, protect and stabilize spent cartridgeextractor rods and/or their housings.
 2. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising near the proximal end of the cam a notched disk withcircumferential notches or indentations that serve as guides to adjacentones of the plurality of arms, wherein the notched disk is made of amaterial that protects distal and external surfaces of the muzzle fromabrasion and damage.
 3. The device of claim 2 further comprising a smallsoft metal bushing located proximal to the notched disk and arranged tocooperate with the notched disk to protect against abrasion and damageof internal and external surfaces of the firearm including the crownthereof, wherein the small soft metal bushing is substantially centeredwithin the muzzle and is arranged to stabilize the firearm within thecavity, eliminate looseness and occupy the cavity within a distal regionof the muzzle.
 4. The device of claim 3 further comprising a snap ringarranged to fasten the notched disk and the small soft metal bushingtogether, wherein the bidirectional rotatable shaft is configured toprotrude from the proximal end of the cam, penetrate through the notcheddisk, the small soft metal bushing and the snap ring and extend into thefirearm barrel.
 5. The device of claim 1 further comprising asemi-flexible, bi-directionally rotating wand coupled to a proximal endof the bi-directional rotatable shaft, wherein the wand is arranged toextend through a remainder of an internal length or bore of the barrelof the firearm and the full length of its chamber, thus preventing theloading of a live round of ammunition in the firearm.
 6. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the receptacle component of the lock housing includes anotch arranged to enable reception within the lock housing of ablade-like front sight, bead-like front sight, front sight base orfoundation of the firearm.
 7. The device of claim 1 further comprising alanyard retainer coupled to the lock housing.
 8. The device of claim 1further comprising a self-protective cage-like structure arranged toprotect the internal length of the device and the firearm againsttampering and defeat.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the cage-likestructure includes a key disk, one or more support disks, lock housingrods or pins, a bushing and a pyrrhic disk, wherein the one or moresupport disks are located within an interior of the bushing and the lockhousing configuration to provide internal lateral support againstattempted compromise by crushing.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein thedisk, housing rods or pins and bushing enjoy bi-directional rotationalfreedom of movement and internally protects the entire lock housing,cavity, all components within the lock housing, all of the muzzle and atleast a portion of the barrel.
 11. A device for controlling access to afirearm having a muzzle with features that are proximal thereto, thedevice comprising: a lock housing with a base component coupled to areceptacle component, wherein the receptacle component includes a cavityconfigured for insertion therein of the muzzle and at least a portion ofthe barrel; a key structure coupled to the base component of the lockhousing, wherein the key structure is arranged to receive a key; a lockmechanism coupled to the key structure and arranged for actuation by thekey; a lock mechanism shaft coupled to the lock mechanism and configuredfor rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism; a camhaving a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of thecam is in contact with the lock mechanism shaft such that rotationalmovement of the lock mechanism shaft causes axial movement of the cam; abidirectional rotatable shaft coupled to the proximal end of the cam andarranged for insertion into the muzzle of the firearm; a plurality ofextended arms coupled to a perimeter of the cam and arranged for pivotaland radial movement to secure the firearm muzzle in the cavity of thelock housing; and a plurality of tabs arranged on the plurality ofextended arms for engagement with an exterior surface of the muzzle toretain the muzzle within the lock housing, wherein the plurality of tabsincludes a top tab arranged to secure any blade-like front sight or beadof the firearm, two or more side tabs arranged to conform to occupyserrations on the slide or frame of the firearm, and a bottom tabarranged to engage and secure against indentations and/or grooves ofaccessory rails and other features located on a distal ventral region ofthe frame of the firearm.
 12. The device of claim 11 further comprisingnear the proximal end of the cam a notched disk with circumferentialnotches or indentations that serve as guides to adjacent ones of theplurality of arms, wherein the notched disk is made of a material thatprotects distal and external surfaces of the muzzle device from abrasionand damage.
 13. The device of claim 12 further comprising a small softmetal bushing located proximal to the notched disk arranged to occupy acavity within a distal region of the muzzle.
 14. The device of claim 13further comprising a snap ring arranged to fasten the notched disk andthe small soft metal bushing together, wherein the bidirectionalrotatable shaft is configured to protrude from the proximal end of thecam, penetrate through the notched disk, the small soft metal bushingand the snap ring and extend into the firearm barrel.
 15. The device ofclaim 11 further comprising a semi-flexible, bi-directionally rotatingwand coupled to a proximal end of the bidirectional rotatable shaft,wherein the wand is arranged to extend through a remainder of aninternal length or bore of the barrel of the firearm and the full lengthof its chamber, thus preventing the loading of a live round ofammunition in the firearm.
 16. The device of claim 11 wherein thereceptacle component of the lock housing includes an orifice and acavity arranged to accommodate large muzzle configurations.
 17. Thedevice of claim 11 further comprising a lanyard retainer coupled to thelock housing.
 18. The device of claim 16 wherein the orifice and cavitymay be of a rectangular cross section.
 19. The device of claim 11further comprising a plurality of hardened bidirectionally rotatingsteel pins arranged in the base component and the receptacle componentof the lock housing to protect welded seams of the device againstcompromise.
 20. The device of claim 11 further comprising near theproximal end of the cam a notched disk with circumferential notches orindentations that serve as guides to adjacent ones of the plurality ofarms, wherein the notched disk is made of a material that protectsdistal and external surfaces of the muzzle from abrasion and damage. 21.The device of claim 20 further comprising a small soft metal bushinglocated proximal to the notched disk and arranged to cooperate with thenotched disk to protect against abrasion and damage of internal andexternal surfaces of the firearm including the crown thereof, whereinthe small soft metal bushing is substantially centered within the muzzleand is arranged to stabilize the firearm within the cavity and eliminatelooseness.